Dawkins Converts to Islam

In an unexpected turn of events, ardent atheist Richard Dawkins has reportedly converted to Islam.

According to neighbours the move comes after an archaeological dig in his back garden unearthed what is assumed to be the preserved remains of the Prophet Muhammad. The partially decomposed body was found in a tomb similar to those used to preserve ancient Pharaohs and was filled with brine similar to that used to preserve modern hot dog sausages.

The body itself is reported to have a striking tattoo on one wrist with the words 'I heart Allah' and his physical appearance correlates very closely with the descriptions of his actions in the Qur’an. The most surprising element of the find was that the wrist was found to be clutching a hook which experts believe would have been used primarily for the procurement of ducks.

The news has astounded many within the academic world as Dawkins is renowned for his criticism of religion and published a bestseller in 2006 entitled 'The God Delusion'. A close friend of Dawkins offered the following justification, "If Raskolnikov of Crime and Punishment fame can find god after cold blooded murder then why can't Richard? As far as I know Richard has not killed anyone recently but I know he is a lifelong Dostoyevsky aficionado".

As yet Dawkins has been unavailable for comment, it is rumoured he is sporting a fake moustache and making a pilgrimage to Mecca with fellow recent convert Salman Rushdie.